We tested the role of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in the homologous recombination
process. A tissue-culture based homology-directed repair assay was used in which repair of
a double-stranded break by homologous recombination results in gene conversion of an
inactive GFP allele to an active GFP gene. Our rationale was that hyperacetylation caused
by HDAC inhibitor treatment would increase chromatin accessibility to repair factors, thereby
increasing homologous recombination. Contrary to expectation, treatment of cells with the …